Context: John, the speaker, is introducing a six-part series on eschatology, the study of end times, by renowned theologian John MacArthur. He begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the doctrine of last things, especially in the current times, which he believes are approaching the very end. His tone is earnest, suggesting a sense of urgency and conviction.
Series by John MacArthur on Eschatology (Doctrine of Last Things) (0:07) - He highlights John MacArthur's expertise and influence in this field, emphasizing the credibility and weight of the series' content.
Series Title: "Why Every Calvinist Should Be a Pre-Millennialist" (0:32) - This provocative title immediately grabs attention, setting the stage for a focused discussion on premillennialism, a specific eschatological viewpoint. The title further suggests a connection between Calvinist theology and this perspective, hinting at a compelling argument to be presented within the series.
Key Terms
Calvinism
Belief in doctrines of grace, election, and predestination (0:47)
Explanation: Calvinism, a theological system named after John Calvin, emphasizes God's sovereign grace in salvation. It asserts that God chooses individuals for salvation before they are born, based on his own will and purposes, not on any merit or actions of the chosen. This leads to the doctrines of:
Election: God's choice of individuals for salvation (Romans 9:11-13, Ephesians 1:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5).
Predestination: God's predetermined plan for all events, including salvation (Ephesians 1:11, Romans 8:28-30, 1 Peter 1:2).
God is responsible for saving, not man (1:14) - Calvinism underscores God's active role in salvation, emphasizing that humans are incapable of saving themselves. Salvation is entirely dependent on God's grace, which is freely given to those he has chosen (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 3:23-24).
Term "Calvinism" comes from John Calvin but predates him (1:22) - While John Calvin is credited with popularizing these doctrines, the core ideas of Calvinism can be traced back to earlier theologians and biblical interpretations. Calvin's contributions were significant in systematizing and articulating these doctrines.
Premillennialism
Belief that Christ will return and rapture the church before a seven-year tribulation period (1:36)
Explanation: Premillennialism, one of the major eschatological viewpoints, asserts that Christ will physically return to earth in a visible second coming before the establishment of his millennial kingdom. This return will involve the rapture, an event where believers are taken to heaven to escape the tribulation, a time of great suffering and persecution (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Revelation 3:10).
Christ to establish a literal 1,000-year reign (Millennial Kingdom) on earth (1:55) - Premillennialists believe this kingdom will be a literal, physical reign of Christ on earth for 1,000 years, characterized by peace, justice, and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel (Revelation 20:1-7, Isaiah 2:2-4, Zechariah 14:9).
This kingdom will precede the new heaven and new earth (2:12) - After the millennium, the current heaven and earth will be replaced by a new creation, signifying a final, eternal state of glory where God dwells with his people (Revelation 21:1-4, Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Peter 3:13).
Purpose of the Series
Discuss different views on eschatology, specifically addressing postmillennialism, amillennialism, and premillennialism. (2:36)
Goal: Jim outlines the primary purpose of the series, which is to delve into the various perspectives on eschatology. He will specifically focus on three major viewpoints: postmillennialism, amillennialism, and premillennialism. He aims to present these contrasting views in a clear and understandable manner, encouraging listeners to think critically about the different interpretations.
Provide a foundational understanding of end times. (2:46) - Beyond presenting diverse viewpoints, Jim aims to equip listeners with a solid foundation for understanding the Bible's teachings on end times. This foundation will serve as a basis for further exploration and deeper engagement with the subject.
John MacArthur will explore the teachings of the Bible on the subject and show that the premillennial view is the most consistent with Scripture. (2:56) - Jim highlights the central argument of the series: John MacArthur, a respected theologian known for his commitment to biblical interpretation, will use textual evidence and logic to demonstrate that the premillennial perspective is the most faithful representation of God's Word.
Eschatological Views
Postmillennialism
Christ returns after the Millennium (3:42)
Explanation: Postmillennialists believe that Christ will return after a period of increasing peace, prosperity, and Christian influence in the world. They envision the church playing a key role in bringing about this golden age, gradually transforming society through its values and teachings.
The church will progressively influence the world for the better, ultimately bringing about a golden age of peace and righteousness (4:09) - Postmillennialists view the church as a transformative force, gradually spreading its influence and values, ultimately leading to a world characterized by peace, justice, and Christian values.
The Millennium is not literal, but a long period (4:44) - They see the millennium not as a literal 1,000-year reign but as a long period of spiritual, moral, and societal progress, culminating in Christ's return to usher in the final state of glory.
Amillennialism
No literal millennium (5:03)
Explanation: Amillennialists believe that Christ's kingdom is already present in the world, and that there will be no physical, earthly reign of Christ for 1,000 years. They see the kingdom as a spiritual reality, primarily experienced in the present and in heaven, rather than a literal, earthly kingdom.
Kingdom of Christ is spiritual or refers to heaven (5:27) - They see Christ's kingdom as a spiritual reality, primarily experienced in the present and in heaven, rather than a literal, earthly kingdom.
No earthly reign of Christ (5:54) - Amillennialists reject the idea of a literal, earthly reign of Christ, viewing the events of Revelation as symbolic representations of spiritual realities.
Premillennialism
Christ returns before the Millennium (6:12)
Explanation: This view, which the series will focus on, believes that Christ will return to earth physically, before a seven-year tribulation period, and will establish a literal, physical kingdom on earth.
Christ's return will involve a fiery judgment against the ungodly and the establishment of a new kingdom on earth (6:27) - Premillennialists see Christ's return as a judgment against those who reject God and a beginning of a new kingdom, a time of peace and justice under his rule (Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Revelation 19:11-21).
Christ will rule on earth for 1,000 years, as described in Revelation 20 (6:42) - This period of Christ's reign will last 1,000 years, a time of peace and justice under his rule, fulfilling God's promises to Israel (Revelation 20:1-7, Isaiah 2:2-4, Zechariah 14:9).
This will be followed by a new heaven and new earth (7:02) - After the millennium, the current heaven and earth will be replaced by a new creation, signifying a final, eternal state of glory where God dwells with his people (Revelation 21:1-4, Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Peter 3:13).
Interpretation of Scripture
Prophetic Scripture should be interpreted literally, using normal, natural means of interpretation (7:36) - John emphasizes the importance of literal interpretation, suggesting that prophetic passages should be understood in their natural sense, without resorting to allegorizing or spiritualizing. He advocates for a straightforward approach to interpreting the text, emphasizing the clear and intended meaning.
Avoid allegorizing and spiritualizing prophetic texts (7:57) - John cautions against distorting the meaning of prophetic texts by seeking hidden meanings or allegorical interpretations, urging listeners to interpret the text as it stands. He warns against reading in symbolic meanings or imposing predetermined interpretations on prophetic texts, emphasizing the importance of allowing the text to speak for itself.
Literal interpretation prevents abuse of Scripture, ensuring that God's Word is not distorted to fit preconceived notions (8:38) - John stresses that a literal approach prevents misinterpretations and safeguards the truth of God's word, ensuring that it's not twisted to support predetermined opinions. He encourages a humble approach to Scripture, allowing its truth to guide understanding rather than imposing preconceived ideas.
Reformed Theology and Eschatology
Reformed theologians often don't focus on eschatology, prioritizing core doctrines like salvation by faith and the sovereignty of God (8:58) - John points out a particular tendency within Reformed theology to focus primarily on foundational doctrines, often placing less emphasis on eschatology. He suggests that this focus may lead to a perceived neglect of end-times themes.
This leads to a strange irony, where those who uphold the sovereignty of God regarding the church are often uncomfortable with the same sovereignty applied to Israel (10:23) - John highlights a seemingly contradictory element within Reformed theology, where those who readily accept God's sovereignty in salvation for the church struggle to apply the same principle to the election of Israel. He points out this inconsistency, hinting at a need for a more comprehensive understanding of God's sovereignty.
Importance of literal interpretation for understanding end times, especially when dealing with prophetic texts (12:29) - John reemphasizes the need for literal interpretation, highlighting its importance for understanding prophetic passages in particular. He stresses that a literal approach, free from allegorizing or spiritualizing, is crucial for understanding the future as revealed in God's Word.
Importance of Israel in Eschatology
Election of Israel is as significant as the election of the church, both being chosen by God (13:59) - John asserts that the election of Israel is a crucial aspect of God's plan, equally important as the election of the church, both being chosen by God for specific purposes. He argues that understanding God's election of Israel is essential for a full grasp of eschatology.
Promises to Israel are unconditional and irrevocable, just like those given to the church (14:28) - John emphasizes the unconditional and irrevocable nature of God's promises to Israel, paralleling those made to the church. He argues that God's faithfulness is evident in his enduring commitment to his chosen people.
Modern presence of Israel supports biblical prophecy (15:27) - John points to the contemporary existence of Israel as evidence that supports biblical prophecy, a powerful argument for those who believe in the validity of Scripture. He suggests that the resurgence of Israel in the modern world provides compelling evidence for the truthfulness of God's Word.
Benefits of Correct Eschatology
Understanding future truth brings blessings, purity, stability, and comfort (16:00)
Revelation 1:3: "'Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and heed the things which are written in it for the time is near.'" - John emphasizes the blessings that come from understanding future truth, particularly as revealed in biblical prophecy. He quotes Revelation 1:3 to underscore the importance of engaging with prophecy and the blessings associated with its understanding.
Provides a strong apologetic for the Bible, especially when considering the existence of Israel (18:07) - John argues that understanding biblical prophecy, particularly regarding the future of Israel, provides a compelling apologetic for the Bible's truthfulness and relevance. He suggests that the fulfillment of prophecy, particularly as seen in the modern existence of Israel, strengthens the case for the Bible's authenticity and its enduring power.
Conclusion
Encouragement for listeners to understand biblical prophecy, emphasizing the need to interpret Scripture literally and faithfully. (18:41) - John concludes by encouraging listeners to engage with biblical prophecy and urges them to approach the text with a literal, faithful interpretation. He emphasizes the importance of careful, diligent study and encourages listeners to be faithful to God's Word in their understanding.
Eschatology enhances faith and understanding of God's sovereignty. (19:00) - John underscores the role of eschatology in strengthening faith and deepening understanding of God's sovereignty and ultimate control over history. He suggests that understanding the unfolding plan of God for the future enhances faith in his goodness, power, and faithfulness.
Next Steps
Upcoming discussions on key questions regarding eschatology. (19:15) - John outlines future discussions that will delve deeper into specific questions surrounding eschatology. He hints at engaging, thought-provoking discussions that will explore further the complexities of end-times themes.
Importance of maintaining confidence in the Word of God, even in the face of conflicting views. (19:26) - John emphasizes the need for unwavering confidence in the Word of God, even when encountering conflicting interpretations or challenges. He encourages a steadfast reliance on Scripture, even when faced with diverse opinions or uncertainties.